Vice Admiral SV Bhokare takes charge as Commandant of INA

Vice Admiral SV Bhokare, on 20 October, assumed charge as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala in neighbouring Kannur district.

Recipient of Yudh Seva Medal and Nao Sena Medal for his distinguished service, Bhokare took over as the seventh Commandant of INA.

Bhokare who is the first officer from the Submarine armto take over the reins as the Commandant of INA was given a ceremonial guard of honour on the occasion.

Earlier in the day, the Vice Admiral paid homage at the INA war memorial "Prema Sthal" by placing a wreath, an INA release said. Bhokare is a specialist in Navigation and Direction and a graduate of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla and Defence Service Staff College in Wellington, Tamil Nadu.

He also holds a master degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Australia Defence College, Canberra. The officer, belonging to the "elite" submarine arm of the Indian Navy, commanded three frontline submarines as well as Guided Missle Frigate "INS Beas" and Submarine base "INS Vajrabahu" during his career of 32 years, the release said.